About this role
Commercial Associate – NQ - 4 Years PQE
Location: Manchester, Birmingham or Leeds
Team: Commercial
The Opportunity
Want to do high-quality commercial work for household-name clients while helping shape the future of how legal services are delivered? We’re growing our Commercial Team and looking for a talented, ambitious Commercial Associate (NQ – 4 years PQE) to join us in Manchester, Birmingham or Leeds.
You will work alongside experienced Partners on high‑quality commercial projects for a broad client base, including household‑name organisations and major public‑ and private‑sector clients. Our team is recognised for its creative, innovative approach and its commitment to delivering commercially pragmatic solutions - and you’ll be part of that from the start.
This is a rare chance to build your career at the point where commercial law meets Generative AI. The team is led by Clare Francis, who heads Pinsent Masons’ Commercial Team and oversees firm‑wide work in Innovation and Generative AI – so you’ll see fresh, forward‑thinking approaches to complex commercial challenges up close, and have the opportunity to help shape them.
The Work You’ll Do
You will gain exposure to an impressive range of commercial matters, including:
- Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts
- Supporting major outsourcing, supply chain and strategic projects
- Advising on day‑to‑day commercial queries
- Using legal technology and AI‑enabled tools on live matters, and helping design the process improvements and innovative delivery models we offer clients
- Building strong relationships with leading clients across retail, manufacturing, sport, technology, energy, hotels, public sector, education, and industrial markets
Your experience won’t stop at commercial contracts. Our broader commercial group works closely with the Corporate Team on complex AI and technology‑driven workstreams, giving you exposure to a wider range of deals and specialists than most commercial roles offer.
About the Team
Pinsent Masons’ Commercial practice is known for its proactive, pragmatic, and innovative style. The team works nationally across Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds, and internationally across the firm’s global offices.
Under Clare’s leadership, the team is increasingly delivering client solutions built on cutting‑edge legal technology and AI‑enabled services. Working with the firm’s Innovation and Change Board, we’re transforming how legal services are delivered.
We’re a dynamic, supportive team with a focus on:
- Innovation
- Exceptional client experience
- Cross‑office collaboration
- Flexibility and work‑life balance
- Entrepreneurial thinking and personal development
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for an England & Wales qualified commercial lawyer (approx. NQ - 4 years PQE) who brings:
- Strong technical skills
- Commercial awareness
- Excellent drafting and communication skills
- A collaborative and proactive mindset
- Enthusiasm for innovation and creative problem‑solving
- Interest in developing sector specialisms aligned to Pinsent Masons’ global focus areas
Experience within a well‑regarded commercial practice is desirable, but we care just as much about curiosity, potential and an appetite to learn. If you’re newly qualified and excited by this role, we’d love to hear from you even if you don’t meet every point above.
What You’ll Gain
As part of our team, you will:
- Work within a market‑leading Commercial practice
- Gain early responsibility and significant client exposure
- Receive exceptional training, mentoring, and support
- Have a genuine voice in innovation and firm‑wide strategic initiatives, including how we use AI to serve clients
- Enjoy strong career progression opportunities through PM Academy and partner‑led development programmes
- Work within a collaborative and engaging culture
Our Commitment
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and every individual is treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or belief, marital status, socio-economic background or any other protected characteristic.
We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities throughout the recruitment process and during employment.
How to Apply
Apply below or contact our in-house Lateral Recruitment Advisor Kate James who can discuss the role and requirements.
Contact details:
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